The Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Need Frustration

PURPOSE: Bullying victimization poses a critical challenge, exerting negative effects on adolescents' mental health. In this study, the mediating role of basic psychological need frustration (BPNF) in the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress in adolescents was examined. METHODS: Between November 2025 and January 2026, research data were gathered via self-report instruments from 636 high school students attending schools in central Türkiye. SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4) was employed for mediation analyses. RESULTS: The findings showed that autonomy, relatedness, and competence frustration partially mediated the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The findings yield significant practical implications for interventions aimed at safeguarding and enhancing adolescent mental health.